In this “very satisfying mix of dizzying intrigue and steamy romance, ” the #1 New York Times bestselling author delivers a novel that’s ”perfect for those who love a good alpha male and a damsel in distress who doesn’t wait for someone else to rescue her” (Publishers Weekly).
Ryan Willis has spent years in the protection business, a job that requires constant vigilance and quick … the protection business, a job that requires constant vigilance and quick thinking. His only chance to truly relax is at his secluded cabin in a small town where there are never any surprises. So when Ryan returns after an assignment and encounters a beautiful stranger, he isn’t only surprised, he’s also instantly intrigued.
Hannah Bright is a breath of fresh air, and Ryan is soon completely consumed, unable to stop from falling for her. As the two grow closer, his instinct tells him something is amiss. Yet nothing could prepare him for what he discovers when he starts digging into her past.
Hannah spends her days painting, running her arts and crafts store…and hiding too many secrets. It’s why she won’t let the ruggedly handsome bodyguard get too close. But their chemistry is undeniable, and Hannah quickly finds herself caught up in a whirlwind romance with Ryan. He is peace personified, a balm to her battered soul. Yet the gorgeous, captivating man who has swept Hannah off her feet doesn’t even know who she really is. And the moment he finds out, both their lives are at risk
Hannah spends her days painting, running her arts and crafts store…and hiding too many secrets. It’s why she won’t let the ruggedly handsome bodyguard get too close. But their chemistry is undeniable, and Hannah quickly finds herself caught up in a whirlwind romance with Ryan. He is peace personified, a balm to her battered soul. Yet the gorgeous, captivating man who has swept Hannah off her feet doesn’t even know who she really is. And the moment he finds out, both their lives are at risk
Hannah spends her days painting, running her arts and crafts store…and hiding too many secrets. It’s why she won’t let the ruggedly handsome bodyguard get too close. But their chemistry is undeniable, and Hannah quickly finds herself caught up in a whirlwind romance with Ryan. He is peace personified, a balm to her battered soul. Yet the gorgeous, captivating man who has swept Hannah off her feet doesn’t even know who she really is. And the moment he finds out, both their lives are at risk
Hannah spends her days painting, running her arts and crafts store…and hiding too many secrets. It’s why she won’t let the ruggedly handsome bodyguard get too close. But their chemistry is undeniable, and Hannah quickly finds herself caught up in a whirlwind romance with Ryan. He is peace personified, a balm to her battered soul. Yet the gorgeous, captivating man who has swept Hannah off her feet doesn’t even know who she really is. And the moment he finds out, both their lives are at riskmore
I’ve been reading Jodi Ellen Malpas since her debut novel, This Man, was released. That series was one of the first that I turned to in the post-Fifty Shades days when I was looking to see what else was out there in romance. I credit this series as one of the ones that turned me into the devoted romance reader I am now. It undoubtedly left an indelible impression on readers, and years after its initial release, readers still list both the series and the hero, Jesse Ward, as top favorites. Malpas has released numerous books since that first book released, and with the release of Leave Me Breathless, she continues to sweep readers off their feet with her brand of sultry, spine-tingling storytelling and breathtaking romances.
Leave Me Breathless, a steamy and suspenseful standalone romance, features British alpha-hero, Ryan Willis, a former member of MI5 and current protection agent, and the quirky, messy artist with secrets in her eyes, Hannah Bright. Malpas created an alluring hero in the ruggedly handsome, single father. Ryan was exactly the hero that Hannah, a woman hiding in plain sight, needed. Commanding and, at times, menacing, Ryan was also gentle and patient, and as Jodi Ellen peeled his layers back, I was as smitten as Hannah was with him. Hannah has survived a brutal and painful past, and while she’s alive, she isn’t really living. She lives in the shadows, attempting to blend in without ever putting down roots as she moves from place to place. She’s tired, lonely and easily spooked, but for the first time in longer than she can remember, Ryan gives her hope. The question is will he be enough for her to take on her demons, to let him all the way in and to trust? There are secrets in both of their pasts, and Malpas uses them by bringing them into the light through an exciting suspense plot in this intense and sexy romance.
Riveting, thrilling, steamy and romantic, Leave Me Breathless was exactly the type of passionate, emotional and gripping love story that I expect from Jodi Ellen Malpas. I was at the edge of my seat, tapping my Kindle furiously, as I devoured this book—I simply did not want to put it down. Five smooches from me for Leave Me Breathless by Jodi Ellen Malpas!
~Danielle Palumbo, Red Cheeks Reads
Since “This Man” Jodie Ellen Malpas has been a “Go-To” Author for me – her writing is always flawless. I have always felt that she creates two very different story settings – either her male leads are Alpha to the core or the female leads are unconventional. Either way, her characters are always so well developed it almost hurts to leave them when the book ends.
“Leave me BREATHLESS” as Standalone follow up / spin-off from “The Protector” is no different.
Ryan and Hannah are great characters and well written –yet this time for the first time ever the characters were outrun by the story setting. Ms. Malpas created such an utterly charming small town that I feel the need to move there myself. I could see almost all the places while I was reading about them. And if this book is ever chosen to be filmed like “The Protector” was – I wish the crew the best of luck finding the places to film – as they seem almost as important as the characters at times.
The plot of the book is not unique but told in a typical “JEM-ish” way that makes it fresh for readers – still, there were a few moments where I wondered about certain things because it felt as if the author was trying to find a different style. Also, some strings in the plot were still open – ok strings sound big they were tiny really and probably I am the only one in the whole world overthinking things again – but still in total, I am wondering if there was more plot? Did I overlook anything? Misunderstood something? Are more standalones in that series to come?
In total it feels like a more quiet book than the previous books by this author especially compared to “This Man”. While the setting was perfectly charming and the characters were great there was just a little something missing in it for me. I hope Ms. Malpas will forgive me for saying that and I hope she knows I adore her writing.
Following the story the readers will also meet the characters from “The Protector” again so there will be spoilers as to what happened in that book but there is no need to read the story before reading this one – this is just a warning to those who do not want to have spoilers and still want to read the previous book.
Lovers of “The Protector” will also love “Leave me BREATHLESS” of that, I am pretty sure and I would recommend reading both in the right order. As for me, I hope there will be another book in that series that gives me those tiny details I was looking for but it might be that it was left open on purpose because not everything needs to be black and white.
I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH!!!! JODI HAS DONE IT AGAIN, SHE HAS LEFT ME SPEECHLESS!!!!
Leave me breathless was so good, I was on the edge of my seat wanting more. Ryan is EVERYTHING. I loved him so much, he was that sexy sweet alpha we all want in our life. Ryan is back into town and is ready to be with the people he loves. The last thing he expects is to go into town and find the newby. Hannah is trying to live her life, with many secrets holding her back she is trying the best she can do. I loved Hannah so much, i loved how she just kept trying to keep going and not give up even when thats what she wanted to do.
Ryan and Hannah, boy that chemistry was OFF THE CHARTS!!! These two were fire!!! I just loved how understanding and amazing Ryan was with Hannah, I loved seeing Hannah go out and give love a chance even when she tried to hid it. Jodi does such an amazing job with these characters, you will love every single thing about this story.
This is a MUST READ, you will not want to put this book down at all.
I have so much love for Hannah and Ryan! I was consumed by this story and these characters! Jodi Ellen Malpas is a incredible writer and the minute I started this book, I was addicted and could not put it down. As with most of her stories, it has heart, humor, passion and so much suspense!
I loved everything about Hannah. She intrigued me from the beginning. I loved her artistic style and her attitude on life after all she has endured. She has such a beautiful and bright personality but is hiding something big.
I adored Ryan. He is an ex MI5 agent and is ready to come home to his small hometown in England for a slower paced life. Little does he know that is the complete opposite of what he is going to get. Ryan and Hannah meet in an unusual way. Ryan quickly discovers Hannah is hiding something and will stop at nothing to uncover it and keep her safe. He is the ultimate fierce alpha male that I completely fell for.
Ryan and Hannah together were the perfect combination. They compliment each other in every way. The passion between these two is off the charts and I couldn’t get enough.
Ryan’s daughter Alex was so adorable, sweet and funny. She added so much to the story.
I loved the setting of this book. The author’s ability to paint such a vivid picture makes it feel like a real place that you’d want to go and visit.
Overall this was a huge hit for me and deserves more than 5 stars. Thank you to Social Butterfly PR and Jodi Ellen Malpas for generously providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange of an honest review.
Jodi Ellen Malpas has done it again. She made me fall in love with another story except this time she left me BREATHLESS with her romantic and powerful writing!!
I am such a fan of her work so I was so excited to get my hands on it. Once I dived in, I couldn’t put it down. I loved the plot of the story. A woman who has escaped an awful situation and a man trying to settle down after a life of protecting everyone else. She gave us two outstanding characters in Hannah and Ryan. They are complex and likable.
Hannah is the artsy type. She is creative, talented, and sassy when she needs to be. She has a chip on her shoulder because of a secret she has had to keep. She is constantly fearful that her past will collide with her present.
Ryan is a protector who is impulsive and fearless. He is reaching a point in his life where he wants to live a calmer lifestyle in his cabin. He goes back home and is captivated by Hannah. He has been in a serious relationship before and that didn’t turn out so great. He has been living the single life for a while and Hannah is making him rethink his bachelor state.
I loved that Jodi surrounded Hannah and Ryan with amazing supporting characters. Alex, Ryan’s daughter is a spitfire She was one of my favorite characters because she was funny in some of the tense moments and so wise for her age.
This just made it’s way to my ‘top 5 reads of the year’ list. Everything about this story was breathtaking.
I give Leave Me Breathless 5 stars. It was an unputdownable romance that was wonderful to read. Jodi Ellen Malpas wrote a well-developed plot with charming characters that will steal your hearts. Get your inhalers ready because this book is about to leave you breathless. Leave Me Breathless Jodi Ellen Malpas
“I’m uncomfortable with how comfortable this woman makes me feel. She’s like a precious box of adorableness.”
As I’m sure is the case with most of us, the buzz about this author started with her This Man series, we were curious to meet Jesse Ward, right? She definitely has a gift for writing beautifully broken characters. What I found interesting about Leave Me Breathless is that it’s the female that is broken.
Hannah is most definitely adorable. She’s a creative free spirit that loves to escape into her artwork. She surrounds herself with color. Her painting, her wardrobe, and her heart. Despite the fact that her past is absent of color, full of darkness, she still has the ability to shine her light on others. I couldn’t help smiling while reading about her, she’s just that awesome of a character. Which makes it that much harder to imagine what she might be running from.
She hides it well, but Ryan has worked in security long enough to read between the lines. He knows she’s got secrets that are keeping her from letting him in fully. He can see that she feels the same attraction that he does. The desire between them is intense, but she’s fighting the idea of a relationship between them. What is she afraid of?
Of course, the less she shares, the more he wants to know about her. “—as if her wildness isn’t enough of a draw to me, the secrets I sense she’s keeping are only amplifying my curiosity.” IKR? Mine too! I was hanging on the edge waiting to learn the details as the story unfolded.
I found myself thrown back and forth between heartbreak and hilarity. Sighing one minute and laughing the next. I don’t want to spoil anything for those that haven’t read it yet, so I’ll just say that the females stole the show in this one. I’m totally in the girl crush zone here, unable to stop smiling at their antics.
Don’t get me wrong, Ryan is perfection. And he’s oh so smart as well. He knows when to advance and when to withdraw. She’s like a skittish colt and he doesn’t want to risk spooking her. So, I’ll just call him a ‘Hannah Whisperer’, though he’s just as effective when silent. “He said nothing. But everything I needed to hear.”
This story has just enough sweet, sassy, sexy and suspenseful to leave you sighing in satisfaction. Did you catch that? Five S’s and five stars. Fingers crossed that this one will end up as a movie on Passion Flix too!
4.9 Stars
Hannah recently moved to this quaint little english village to open her art gallery slash arts and crafts store. No one knows where she came from – or what and who she is running from.
Ryan was born and raised here and now he is back in town. He’s been working for his country and then in private security for twenty years – time to retire in his beloved little house.
Hannah and Ryan. Insta attraction.
But Hannah can’t start something with Ryan – who knows how long she will be able to stay!? Right?!
Plus danger is following her … but Ryan might be the best person to be by her side once it catches her!
WHAT WILL HAPPEN WITH HANNAH & RYAN?
WILL WE GET A HAPPILY EVER AFTER?
READ THE BOOK TO FIND OUT
Beautiful Romantic Suspense!
I adored this book. I was expecting some kind of typical romantic suspense thingy, but it was so much more. Such a cute little small town romance with so many adorable and funny moments!
But it was also still this mysterious and exciting romantic suspense story!
I loved it!
I loved Ryan and how he loves his house and his outdoor shower! LOL!
He’s seen a lot of bad stuff in his job and he’s just so happy to be home – everything/one he loves is in this town – even if some of it is very complicated and annoying!
And Hannah … she is just adorable! She’s so fun and fresh and full of color and life! Even after everything she went through – which we don’t know much about yet of course!
I loved that we got to see Cami and Jake again!
I so wouldn’t mind if this book would show up on my TV one day!
LEAVE ME BREATHLESS was a beautiful & funny & adorable & exciting small-town Romantic Suspense! I loved it! Run to your nearest amazon for your own Ryan – this one is MINE!
I liked this book and it’s great as is all of J.E.M. books but I just feel all her books following this man and one night series are not as good as them but still good reads just not great like those two
4.5 Stars
Jodi Ellen Malpas always writes the best stories with the best male characters. Leave Me Breathless has suspense and sweet romantic moments. Hannah and Ryan have great chemistry and are so cute together. This was a fast-paced book that I couldn’t put down. If you’re looking for a swoon worthy fast paced romance look no further.
“I don’t ever want to scare you. I’m not scared of him, not like that. I’m scared because he leaves me completely breathless.”
Hannah Bright has just opened a new business. Her arts and crafts store may not be the most lucrative decision, given that the small town she recently moved to, takes the term small seriously, but it makes her immensely happy. After all, this boho-chic woman, with her colorful scarves in her hair, loose-fitting, vibrant-colored clothes, who is always in the company of her inseparable bicycle lives and breathes art. But if the exterior facade is cheerful and carefree, inside she lives in panic. Hannah is not who she looks, nor who she says she is. And her stay in the town has an expiration date.
Ryan Willis is a former MI5 agent and now works as a private security. But years away from home and constant danger no longer appeal to him. After a successful job, he decides to retire, to the horror of his boss. And returning to his small, quiet town is the only thing on his mind. After all, his daughter and his secluded, nature-surrounded cabin are waiting for him.
Hannah wants to be as unnoticed as possible, not attracting attention and not become attached are her mantras. Ryan wants to resume his life and take care of his daughter. But an accident will cause them to meet. And with that, all their carefully constructed plans go down the drain.
And as much as Hannah tries to run away, they always run into each other. And denying the attraction on both sides will become increasingly difficult. But how to get involved with someone if at any time she can leave? Without ever saying goodbye?
Just took one look for Ryan to know that Hannah hides something. His instincts scream that she is in danger. But how to help her if she refuses to trust him? How to show this woman that what they have is for forever?
With suspense, a bit of drama, secrets and a lot of romance, the book is another Jodi Ellen classic. Jake and Cami appear in the story, and fans will be happy with the new revelations.
Ryan is the perfect good guy. Attentive, loving, protective, handsome, funny and good father. By the way, Alex his daughter was a great addition to the narrative. The girl is devoid of any filter. Completely hilarious.
Hannah hides a big secret, and the few clues are released, allowing the reader to complete the puzzle. An interesting, strong character who with Ryan’s help reconnects with herself. An interesting, plausible, respectful, loving couple who protect each other. A beautiful novel.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest Review *
Have loved Jodi Ellen Malpas books from the start! This book is no exception – loved it!!
Hannah is a survivor. She’s quirky and talented. But it’s clear she’s hiding something as shadows lurk behind her eyes.
Ryan is charming from the start and their initial meeting is one fir the history books. He knows almost right away that she’s his and he’ll do whatever he can to put a smile on her face and love her exactly as she is.
All of his training cannot be stalled and instinct takes over. A call to Jake and Lucinda, a trip to a neighboring community and her story begins unraveling for him. It makes no difference because he’ll protect her.
Ryan is far more charming than Jake and there are no secrets with him. He loves his daughter and he loves Hannah. He makes it quite clear. It’s her past and present colliding that provide the drama of their story and Ryan is determined to be her forever.
Another enjoyable story by JEM with visits from Jake and Cami and of course, Lucinda.
Any Jodi Ellen Malpas book is an automatic “one-click” buy for me. She’s such a marvelous storyteller and creates strong, dynamic, resilient characters who are, at times flawed, but oh so genuinely likeable. Ryan and Hannah are two such characters. She’s finally free becoming a woman that she once again likes. He’s world weary and done with the high drama rat race. Their attraction is instantaneous but they definitely get off on the wrong foot. It takes time and patience for the sexy Ryan to win over the beautiful but skittish Hannah and gain her trust. When you add in Ryan’s daughter, Alex. A ten year old who is wise and mature beyond her years. It makes for interesting conversations and encounters. There is an element of suspense that keeps you guessing and therefore turning the pages to find out what happens next. Great reading!
This was sort of a slow burn for me. At first, I felt as if it took too long to actually get anywhere, so I can’t give it the five stars I’d love to assign. But the last third of the book is intoxicating. I just felt like JEM took a while to create the magic I know she can write. The characters are wonderful, however. Ryan is WAY different than her previous leading men. This is neither good nor bad for me, as I loved her bad boys just as much. Just stating the fact. It’s a great book and definitely worth the time to read and enjoy it.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Mary –
I have waited for this one since it was first introduced, and I couldn’t wait to start it when it hit my Kindle. It is a wonderful story that is filled with suspense and WOW!
Ryan works with Jake (from The Protector) and both are on the job when the story starts. Ryan decides that he is done with his job and wants to build houses close to where his cabin is. The cabin is near Hampton, a small town in the country where everyone knows everyone and everything. When he notices a new shop on main street, he doesn’t think an art shop is a good thing for the little town.
Hannah has been running from her past for many years, always looking over her shoulder. She can never let her guard down. As she sets up her shop, she thinks she might stay a little longer in Hampton. Although she knows she can’t stay forever, it is too risky to stay in one place for too long.
When Ryan meets Hannah the sparks fly and she is struck speechless. Several times she can’t speak. She is drawn to him, he almost kisses her twice, the third time he finally does and it is perfect. And he walks away after.
Can Ryan show her that she can stay and let him love her? Will she get spooked and run again? Will her past come back to haunt them both? Will they both get a chance at a future together?
I loved this story, and Ryan and Hannah are perfect. And don’t forget Alex, she is great too. Ryan is another alpha male to add to my JEM stable of men. If you haven’t read Jodi Ellen Malpas yet, you will love any of her books, she is a fantastic author and a go-to author for me. I hope you love this one as much as I did.
Avid Reader –
M/F Romance
Ryan is used to being on edge. It’s kept him alive and saved countless lives. However, he wants to take a step back and be able to enjoy his life. So, he leaves his work and returns to his favorite place. He also wants to see his daughter more than the little he’s been able to. He loves her with everything he is.
Hannah is finally able to have a little piece. She loves where she is living and her life. With the past still able to haunt her, she wants to just make the most of what she has now, before she has to move on.
Ryan and Hannah are great characters. They seem to have an easy friendship and while it wasn’t an overly steamy or great romance, their easy friendship led to an easy transition to potential love interest. I really enjoyed watching Ryan’s daughter stir everything up. She was hilarious.
Malpas has created an ideal place to live and with it, ideal circumstances for walls to come down and pasts to be revealed. With the typical obstacle thrown in the story, it made for an entertaining read. The knight in shining armor saves the woman, who, while she can save herself, likes that someone else wants the job too.
Triggers: Abusive relationship, stalking
Ruthie –
This is a very enjoyable read from the talented Malpas. It is set mainly in the English Peak District, although really, any small town would have offered the same protection, it did however provide the village fete and the snooty lord and lady of the manor, so in that was quintessentially British. I am still questioning their sanity at going repeatedly into a woodland lake though, as the water must have been absolutely freezing!
Ryan is off duty, kicking back and looking forward to spending time with his daughter when he crashes into a tree avoiding a woman on a bicycle. Their connection is powerful, but she is without a doubt hiding something, and it is something she fears. As the story unfolds, the fear remains, but it is only slowly revealed just who and the depth of why.
Hannah is a likeable character, although her wisdom in opening a specialist shop in the middle of nowhere is more about her love of art than any business sense, that is for sure! It works as a vehicle for drawing her into the community life, and undoubtedly her growing relationship with Ryan helps her settle too. I enjoyed the events that take place, and the crazy of the ‘ruling’ gentry, which was sadly all too realistic.
Alex, Ryan’s daughter, is an absolute hoot, and does a great job of pulling the two of them together, when they are floundering between should they shouldn’t they moments. She acts beyond her years, but boarding school can definitely do that to an only child.
There are some really rather sad moments, some funny moments, and some very sexy ones – in just about the right proportion for me. A good read from cover to cover – and I could happily read it again for some fun escapism.
[p.s. I am still a little confused as to why the moving bicycle didn’t raise any concern sooner, (or the jewellery) – I couldn’t see why it was mentioned but not used as a vehicle, (no pun intended) for making her at least wary. And even later, it is just ignored.]
Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
Leave Me Breathless is the all consuming spin off of The Protector and I couldn’t get enough of Ryan and Hannah’s story.
Both of these characters have a past but neither is prepared when one of them comes back to haunt them… There is so much want, longing, angst, danger and intensity in this book that I didn’t want to put it down.
If you loved The Protector you will absolutely love Leave Me Breathless!! It has become my favorite and I can’t recommend it enough!
Once again Jodi gives us another hot alpha male to swoon over Ryan Willis.
Ryan has had enough of being in the personal security agency ex MI5 agent just wants a quiet life and time with the person he love most his daughter Alex (aka Cabbage).
After he finishes his final job with Jake ( yes the sexy protector) he decides it’s time to head home to the Hamptons.
What he didn’t bargain on was running a sexy women off her bike and meeting the sassy and sexy Hannah Bright.
The sparks ignite from the start but all is not what it seems Hannah she has a lot of secrets to hide.
This intrigues Ryan even more does he push Hannah for the truth or just go with his heart because he has never felt like this before.
She find’s herself falling hard for Ryan but can she tell him her secret will it keep her safe, she has a great relationship with his daughter Alex so that makes Ryan fall for her even harder.
Alex is hilarious some of the scenes will have you crying with laughter big time especially with her mother Darcy.
As always a lot of twist and believe me you get them 10 folds in this book so many clues a long the way but will you piece them together read it to find out I dare you.
Gahhhhhh JEM really left me high once I reached the end to this witty, sexy and fun story.
The characters are totally the type of characters that you will fall in love with since the moment they are mentioned in the book. Their chemistry is just super hot and it will make you fall in love with them instantly.
JEM always has a way of creating stories that will make her readers fall in love.
You could never go wrong and you will always love anything that this author writes because that’s how good and fun and entertaining her writing is.
Leave Me Breathless left me just like the title of the book. I was breathless with these characters. I love a man who can make my heart pitter patter especially when they are a single father who is a doting father and knows how to take care of his family.
Ryan mesmerized me with his intensity and Hannah instantly won my heart with her charm and pleasant attitude.
4.5 Breathless stars
Its been a while since I read a book from JEM and after reading this one I’m not sure why I have waited for so long. This book honestly did leave me breathless. Ryan has certainly given Jesse a run for his money in the swoon-worthy stakes.
JEM has done a great job with this book by giving us a steamy romance mixed with some suspense. A sexy British alpha male who will have your pulse racing is the perfect match for the quirky sexy artist in Hannah.
I loved these characters, they were easy to connect to and had you invested in them from beginning to end. Hannah has been through so much and is living in fear, barely living until she meets Ryan and he gives her hope.
Another great read from JEM and I am looking forward to seeing what she brings us next.
Five heart-throbbing stars! Sensational with capital letter S!
Oh dear! Leave Me Breathless by Jodi Ellen Malpas is bloody perfection in ALL its glory. It is deliciously consuming and it made my heart beat as if wild horses were racing inside my chest! Literally, this book left me BREATHLESS. Every time Jodi announces she is publishing another book my heart burst with happiness because I already prepare myself for an emotional turmoil and intense romance mixed with sexiness and gripping suspense. This time there were so many expectations and all of them were fulfilled by this talented lady.
If I tough Gentleman Sinner was her best book after This Man Series, I was totally wrong because Leave Me Breathless is the finest of her masterpieces. Passion overflows from every page reaching all limits. It is gold wrapped in sensuality and eroticism. Elegantly Jodi. All her stories are brilliant and powerfully intense. She manages to surprise her readers with each new book. That’s one of the reasons why she is the queen of romance. She masterfully creates fierce women and alpha men who find their way in the beauty of love and forbidden seduction. It always feels authentic and refreshing.
This time we are introduced to a new story brilliantly tied to the characters of The Protector who have a very special place in my heart. They are one of my favourite couples by the way (Camille & Jake). But this is the bumpy, intense and emotional journey of Ryan Willis and Hannah Bright, two souls that feel the instant and consuming attraction flowing and sparkling around them, tempting the hell out of them. Two hearts drawn together for the first time. Craving insanely the tenderness, the fervour and safety they need and feel in each other’s company. Two people destined to heal the scars of the other in the most beautiful a consuming way.
The storyline wobbles between mystery, suspense and danger. It’s infused with sultry steamy scenes that heighten the passion going on between Hannah and Ryan. Jodi balances every element to make their journey an unforgettable experience for her readers. The dual POVs add a huge outlook of their deepest toughs and desires. Simply magical!
Ryan is a man of action, a protector and a total hero. Hannah is a woman fighting to heal the wounds of her battered soul. Her past is dark and traumatic. She lost herself once but she will recover her life. She doesn’t need a man but Ryan will be the sweet balm that will soothe her. The intense chemistry will lull them into a passionate and consuming love born from a forced friendship, a tender ground which will resist anything once trust and hope bloom.
I loved Hannah from the beginning, my heart ached for what she endured. Her sunny and sweet personality made me want to be her friend. The way she’s rebuilding her life in a small town and how she found a love worth to fight for despite of the ghosts of her past left me speechless because she proved she was a strong, fierce woman. She made mistakes that cost her so much, her life, her family and her dignity. Ryan treated her just the way she deserved. It says so much about a man who treats well the women in his life. And Ryan is a real knight in shining armour who jumps to save the damsel in distress.
Despite the secrets and mystery floating dangerously, there are funny and sweet moments that made my heart palpitate inside my chest. The battle between trust and love, fear and hope was epic and too thrilling.